Track Monitoring Comparison Test
- Shape array - red
- AMTS prisms - orange
- Tiltmeters - green
- In-Place Inclinometer - blue
GEO-Instruments will publish a paper that discusses a long-term comparison test of four track monitoring technologies.
The four technologies are: AMTS, Shape Arrays, In-Place Inclinometers, and Tiltmeters. Will there be a clear winner?
AMTS (automated total stations) monitor the spatial position of rail-clip prisms or track-tie prisms. Measurements can reveal settlement profiles, lateral translation of the tracks, and changes in tilt across the rails. Is optical monitoring the perfect solution?
Horizontal shape arrays mounted on ties provide detailed settlement profiles from contiguous 0.5 meter gauge lengths. Are these rugged, low profile, low maintenance, all-weather shape arrays the best solution for monitoring track settlement?
Horizontal In-Place inclinometers provide less detailed settlement profiles from contiguous, but longer, gauge lengths. IPIs are generally lower in cost, but can 10 foot gauge lengths with mechanical linkage compete with shape arrays?
Tiltmeters are mounted on ties and provide angular measurements. With no clearly defined gauge lengths and no end references, can changes in tilt reveal useful information about track geometry?